Boy Trying to Make an Ox Drink 1761 - 1828

Sakai Hōitsu's "Boy Trying to Make an Ox Drink" is a hanging scroll painting that depicts a young boy attempting to coax an ox to drink from a puddle. The work is framed by a circular composition, a popular style in Japanese art known as "maru" or circle, and features delicate brushwork and soft, muted colors. Hōitsu, a renowned artist of the Rinpa school, is known for his mastery of decorative and illustrative painting, often drawing inspiration from nature and traditional Japanese themes. This painting showcases Hōitsu's skill in capturing the subtle beauty of everyday life and portraying a simple, yet touching, scene.